Daijiworld Media Network - Vasco
Vasco, Nov 25: Goa’s international cruise tourism season commenced with energy and optimism on Monday as the luxury cruise liner Celebrity Millennium arrived at Mormugao Port, bringing with it over 2,000 passengers and 977 crew members. The vessel, which set sail from Singapore and made stops in Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Kochi, marked the first major international cruise arrival of the season.
A total of 2,078 passengers from countries including the USA, UK, Germany and India disembarked to a warm Goan welcome. A brass band, traditional hospitality, and a well-coordinated reception by government departments set a festive tone at the port. The ship continued towards Mumbai later in the day and is expected to return on November 27.
Tourism stakeholders described the day as a strong start for Goa’s cruise-linked economy. Local tour operators set up dedicated counters at the terminal to guide visitors to pre-booked experiences such as heritage walks, beach excursions, city tours and spice plantation trips. Officials praised the smooth disembarkation process, noting it underscored the port’s preparedness to manage high passenger volumes.
MPA Traffic Manager Jerome Clement said the port was entering a key phase of tourism-driven transformation. He confirmed that the construction of the international cruise terminal was advancing rapidly and nearing completion. Once operational, the terminal will enable MPA to host larger vessels and elevate the overall traveller experience. Complementary projects — including the marina and the long-discussed ropeway — are also being actively explored to boost Goa’s cruise tourism landscape.
Tourist taxi operators reported brisk business throughout the day.
Umesh Mandrekar of the Murgaoncha Raja Tourist Taxi Union said operators had prepared in advance, ensuring adequate vehicle availability, streamlined coordination and regulated fares. The arrival of the Celebrity Millennium brought a welcome increase in bookings, raising hopes for steady cruise traffic in the months ahead.
Officials from tourism departments, private operators and ground-handling agencies called the response “encouraging” and “business-friendly.” With over 2,000 passengers exploring Goa, local businesses — from taxis and tour guides to eateries and retail outlets — received a significant boost.
As the Celebrity Millennium sailed out towards Mumbai on Monday afternoon, port authorities expressed optimism that Goa’s cruise arrivals will surge this season. With the international cruise terminal nearing completion and major infrastructure upgrades underway, Goa is poised to position itself as a premier global cruise destination, opening new avenues for the state’s tourism and maritime sectors.